Wednesday, April 28, 2004

SMALLVILLE UPDATE

The WB has released three new images from "Forsaken," the episode of Smallville scheduled to air on Wednesday, May 12.

Here's how the network describes the episode:

"Clark (Tom Welling) decides to tell Lana (Kristin Kreuk) his secret so they can finally be together. Meanwhile, an errant FBI agent (guest star Gary Hudson) kidnaps and tortures Pete (Sam Jones III) to try and force him to reveal Clark's secret. Also, Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) panics after the FBI gives him 24 hours to turn over information on his father (John Glover) or face jail time, but help arrives from an unexpected source."

The episode was written by Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders and directed by Terrence O'Hara.

Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

X-MEN: EVOLUTION DVD

Warner Home Video has released the box art for Enemies Unveiled, the latest X-Men: Evolution DVD.

The art prominently features Captain America, who is featured in the "Operation: Rebirth" episode.

Other episodes include "Joyride," "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Mind Bender."

Enemies Unveiled will be released on June 29 and will cost $14.97.

DC ACQUIRES REBELLION RIGHTS

DC Comics has acquired the North American publishing rights to existing and future comic-book material from UK publisher Rebellion.

Rebellion is the publisher of 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine, the weekly and monthly titles featuring the world-renowned film and video game character Judge Dredd. Rebellion has published many creatively groundbreaking graphic novels by such creatorsas Garth Ennis, Simon Bisley, Frank Quitely, Mark Millar, Chris Weston, Sean Phillips, Glenn Fabry, and many more.

Paul Levitz, President & Publisher of DC Comics, and Jason Kingsley, Co-founder, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion, announce that plans are for the publication of 36 books per year for distribution in the North American comics specialty market and in trade bookstores. DC's current plans are to focus primarily on graphic novels and trade paperback collections.

"The Rebellion catalog expands the already diverse offerings of DC's publishing output," Levitz said, "and much of it is done by writers and artists beloved by our readership, so we're delighted to be able to connect them to these great stories. The wonderful work done on 2000 AD over the years was one of the important bridges that led to the so-called 'British Invasion' of American comics, so it feels like these titles were always meant to be with our line."

"2000 AD and its sister publication The Judge Dredd Megazine are hugely influential and popular in Europe," Kingsley said. "We are looking forward to working closely with the professional and creative powerhouse that is DC, and are excited about introducing our vast catalog of characters, worlds and stories to a wider readership."

The first books from DC are scheduled for September, beginning with The Batman/Judge Dredd Files (written by John Wagner and Alan Grant, with art by Simon Bisley, Carl Critchlow, Dermot Power, Glenn Fabry, Jim Murray, and Jason Brashill) and Sinister Dexter: Gunshark Vacation (written by Dan Abnett, with art by David Millgate, Anthony Williams, Charles Gillespie, Simon Davis, and Henry Flint.)

Future plans include such projects as Devlin Waugh: Swimming in Blood (written by John Smith, with art by Sean Phillips, Siku, and Michael Gaydos), Red Razors (written by Mark Millar, with art by Steve Yeowell and Nigel Dobbyn), Judge Dredd: Judgment Day (written by Garth Ennis, with art by Peter Doherty, Dean Ormston, Carlos Ezquerra, and Chris Halls), Nikolai Dante: The Romanov Dynasty (written by Robbie Morrison, with art by Simon Fraser, Chris Weston, Charlie Adlard, and Henry Flint), Robo-Hunter: Verdus (written by John Wagner, with art by Ian Gibson), and Shimura (written by Robbie Morrison, with art by Frank Quitely, Colin MacNeil, Robert McCallum and Fraser.)

Formats and prices will be announced at the time of solicitation for each book.

"The Rebellion library," Levitz said, "allows DC to continue its growth with the consistent goal of attracting more readers to comics."

ASTONISHING X-MEN VARIANT COVER

Marvel Comics on Thursday announced a "chase" cover for Astonishing X-Men #1 by Gabriel Dell'Otto and Richard Isanove.

The variant will feature Dell'Otto's pencils, highlighted by digital painting by Isanove. According to Marvel, the incentive is limited to direct market retailers. The new series is written by Joss Whedon and has art by John Cassaday.

"John Cassaday is one of my favorite artists. To approve this, we had to have someone special. And what Gabriel did was give everyone an absolute treat," said Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada. "And, it is a treat -- it's not like we're doing six months of variants here."

"Joe's absolutely right '' when the guys showed me Gabrielle's cover sketches, we all just about screamed," said Marvel publisher Dan Buckley. "This is truly a treat for fans and a nice gift to the retailers who are taking a strong position on this book."

BRIEFLY

Image Comics has announced that Angelo Torres, former
artist for the Warren horror magazines, Famous Monsters, Creepy and
Eerie and a long-time MAD magazine contributor, is the latest artist to provide a cover for Frankenstein Mobster.

Torres' art will be featured on Frankenstein Mobster #5, on sale in August.

"It's difficult to describe how exciting it's been to see all of these
different takes on Frankenstein Mobster have been. I think each of these
guys really knocked themselves out, and it shows in the end results,"
series creator Mark Wheatley said. "And now to add Angelo Torres to the mix, it really takes me back to being a fan again."

Image Comics also announced that Diamond is completely sold out of Invincible #10, by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley.

"It's good to see people are supporting a new superhero book. In an
industry where most superhero fans stick with the big two, it's good to
have a new superhero book that's actually made it to double digits," Kirkman said. "Issue 11 will be out in a matter of weeks, Ryan is
currently finishing up work on issue 13, and we're just going up from
there."

A third Invincible trade paperback is scheduled for an August release.

IDW Publishing's 30 Days Of Night: Return To Barrow #1 and George A. Romero's Dawn Of The Dead #1 have both sold out at Diamond Comic Distributors. Both books have gone back to press for second printings, which will be available soon.

Coming Thursday: First looks -- and much more!!!

COMICS CONTINUUM BACK ISSUES

In case you missed The Continuum's recent coverage, here are some links:

* For Thursday, April 22, including Image Comics' solicitations for July, CLICK HERE.

* For Wednesday, April 21, including DC Comics first looks, CLICK HERE.

* For Tuesday, April 20, including Marvel Comics' solicitations for July, CLICK HERE.